Based on the available research, in the United States alone there are 52.5 million people suffering from arthritis. That’s 23% of the adult population. While there are different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common.
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is defined as the breakdown of the cartilage that forms a cushion between two joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis, on the other hand, refers to the swelling and inflammation on the membrane lining of the joint.
These first 3 suggested Essential Oils have powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to their chemical components, which makes them helpful for both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Top 3 Essential Oils for Arthritis
1.) Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, so when it is distilled properly, high quantities of this chemical component are present in the essential oil. Methyl Salicylate has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which makes it very similar to aspirin. Wintergreen Essential Oil can be used topically by mixing 5 to 10 drops with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. If you have not applied this essential oil to your skin before, be sure to do a patch test first on the inside of your arm beforehand.
2.) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, so it can be used to help reduce pain and swelling. You can diffuse Peppermint Oil or use it topically with a carrier oil. You can also apply 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and leave it by your pillow at night while you sleep.
3.) Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil Combination
Frankincense Essential Oil has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, so it is highly effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially when combined with Myrrh Oil.
Myrrh Oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory because it helps suppress inflammation and reduce the intensity of joint inflammation. Myrrh is a resin that comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, which is common in Africa and the Middle East. Similar to frankincense, the essential oil is actually distilled from the sap or resin of the tree. Myrrh Oil is very versatile – It is used in fragrances, embalming, flavoring food, or as antiseptic treatment. It can even be used to treat hay fever. Myrrh Oil is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Both Frankincense and Myrrh have anti-cancer benefits as well.
4.) Ginger used with Lavender
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s distilled from the rhizome, or the peel of the ginger. It contains a chemical component called zingiberene, which is high in analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective pain reliever.
If your arthritis is affecting your mental health and well-being, Lavender Oil can also help. Use Lavender Oil to calm your nerves. Vanilla oil has also been used to relieve stress, especially with arthritis sufferers. Try some of these essential oils and let us know if they help.
Online Questions:
Question: I suffer from osteoarthritis in both knees. What do you suggest?
Answer: We suggest you use Wintergreen Essential Oil. Blend 5 to 10 drops of wintergreen with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and apply it to your knees. You can also inhale essential oils. Aromatherapy strongly benefits your body and has healing abilities. Your sense of smell is incredibly powerful, so essential oils have the ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier and actually hit your limbic system.
Shyloe Fayad is Okanagan-based and the CEO & Primary Wonderer at Radical Wondering Collective. She is also the founder of “Happiness Habits by Shyloe”, which is a unique and actionable system that helps you reduce stress, depression, and anxiety so you can live your best life. She has been an essential oil user since the late ’90s, and now is an educator.
For a more in-depth program designed to provide long-term relief from Arthritis, be sure to check out the Arthritis Handbook.
